Senior Finance Officer

Position Summary:
Reporting to the Controller, the incumbent supports the unit’s operations, while ensuring compliance with policies and regulations as they relate to financial reporting of restricted and endowment funds both internally and externally. Major responsibilities include overseeing administration of restricted and endowment funds and the preparation of financial statements.  Works closely with senior administration in several high profile units such as University Advancement, Office of Investments and Research Financial Management Services in monitoring the Endowment and Restricted funds

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide accounting services to support the recording and internal and/or external reporting of the University's financial position, and ensure an accurate reflection of the University's financial position through the formulation, administration and implementation of generally accepted accounting principles, regulations and controls.
• Lead and supervise a team of 2-4 employees (unionized and management); develops performance measurements
• Provide guidance and leadership to unit members and other professionals.
• Resource person for Faculty Financial Officers in faculties and other departments on accounting
• Review new donation agreements and code all Non-research and Endowment funds to ensure funds characteristics reflect the donors and McGill’s guidelines for usage of funds.
• Review all Non-Research Restricted and Endowment Fund financial statements.
• Participate in establishing strategic direction of the unit and oversee implementation of short and long-term plans required for the efficient delivery of accounting services.
• Advise Controller on development and implementation of policies, processes and guidelines that support unit initiatives.
• Monitor progress and results of the University on a quarterly and annual basis.
• Deliver or support the delivery of accounting services in situations involving diverse practices and precedents.
• Undertake in-depth analysis of highly complex accounting issues, assess impact to the University/unit, articulate alternatives and recommend solutions.
• Ensure implementation of new initiatives that support the strategic direction of the department/unit by keeping abreast of new developments and trends in field of expertise.
• Manages and participates in the preparation of internal and external financial reporting requirements (quarterly financial statements, annual financial statements, RFA, CAUBO)
• Responds to all internal and external audit requests; including the audit of individual non-research grants and interim/year end University audit
• Provides leadership and direction in order to optimize efficiency and effectiveness of GL account usage and financial processes. Reviews and/or creates and implements new financial processes and procedures in financial reporting. Monitors progress and outcomes, and revises processes as necessary.
• Responsible for the efficient integration of the financial information prepared by other units into the overall financial statements.
• In conjunction with Reporting Services, recommends and implements financial reports for management to facilitate the review and monitoring of operations at various levels of the University.
• Participates in the development of and recommends policies to ensure the integrity of the University’s financial information and to improve the consistency and reliability of the University’s financial reporting.
• Works in partnership with all units within Financial Services, Faculties/departments, Affiliate Universities, as well as other appropriate units within the University
• Calculate McGill Investment Pools (MIP) unit rate on a quarterly basis and  MIP distribution rate on an annual basis
• Performs ad-hoc analyses of financial information as required by management
• Final approver on all journals, expense reports, LOG’s, requisitions, deposits & payment requests in excess of $10,000 on all non-research restricted and endowment funds, to ensure MOA’s and donors requests for fund usage is maintained.
• Prepare and perform the accrual-based accounting adjustments for all restricted (research and non-research) and endowment funds
• Liaises with all units within financial services, faculties/departments, other units, external auditors, affiliate hospitals and government authorities on accounting and reporting related items.
• Evaluates Banner upgrades changes in order to maintain efficiencies in Endowment and Non-research restricted fund modules
• Proficient in MS Office, Excel, Crystal Reports, Banner FIS, HR and other related software
• Critical thinker, ready to solve problems before they become obstacles. Aptitude in problem-solving

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities

Professional accounting designation required (CPA). Demonstrated knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and auditing standards, including university and non-profit accounting practices in order to provide valuable input to management. Demonstrated knowledge of McGill policies and procedures, as well as the chart of accounts will be considered a definite asset. Demonstrated ability and facility in working in a PC environment using excel spreadsheets, databases, Crystal Reports, including the application of BANNER (FIS and HR). Demonstrated ability to supervise, train, motivate and evaluate staff. Ability to work under pressure, to prioritize and meet specific deadlines, to work autonomously and as part of a team. Highly organized. Resourceful, with the capacity to make decisions independently. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with all levels of staff. English and French spoken and written.

Minimum Education and Experience:

Bachelor's Degree 5 Years Related Experience /

Annual Salary:

(MPEX Grade 07) $80,550.00 - $120,820.00

Hours per Week:

33.75 (Full time)

Supervisor:

Controller

Position End Date (If applicable):

11/30/2022

Deadline to Apply:

09/07/2021

McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [email protected] .